This article details the art of making a cup or pot of green tea using leaves, not bags, by following traditional Chinese methods. Buy some tea, a teapot and some cups. You really don't need to bother with anything else.

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Steps

Method 1 of 2: Using a Few Leaves

1

Put a hand full of tea leaves in the pot.

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2

Add warm water. Leave for a minute.

3

Wait a few minutes, then serve. You will get a few cups of tea.

Method 2 of 2: Using Many Leaves

1

Add a lot of tea into the pot.

2

Add not-quite-boiling water. Leave for a minute and then pour out to wash the leaves.

3

Add more water.

4

Wait about 30 seconds to a minute and then pour to serve.

5

Finished.

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Tips

Having the spout of the teapot facing anyone may be regarded as a bad manner in a proper tea ceremony, but Chinese usually skip this manner in a casual place.

In a proper tea ceremony, everyone has their roles. The host is in the position for pouring tea for everyone and you shouldn't take this role. However, in a restaurant, if someone pour tea for you, you can do it for him in the next round.

Boiled water is too hot for tender green tea leaves. Pouring boiled water upon the leaves will cause the immediate release of tannins, resulting in a bitter brew.

When someone pours tea for you, lightly knock your two fingers on the table and say "thank you". If he's elder than you, you should pretend to be a little "guilty" that you don't deserve his politeness. This drama should be repeated every time someone pours tea for you.

In any circumstances, before you pour tea into your own cup, always look around and see whose cup is not full, pour tea into their cups first. It's regarded as "selfish", "impolite" or "socially unadaptive" if you pour tea just for yourself.

For real Chinese tea, especially the premium quality one, adding sugar is akin mixing 7-up with Chateau Mouton Rothschild red wine. Chinese often find it funny, if not scornful, to see someone to do it. You can add sugar or honey to taste and even put in ice, but it's not Chinese tea anymore.

In Chinese culture, pour tea for someone can have a lot of meanings[1]. When a guest comes, they serve tea to show a sign of welcome. When getting married, a couple kneel on the floor and pass the tea to their parents to express their gratitude. When apologize in a private place, they stand up, bend their back, pour tea to the one who accept the apology. So, whenever an elder people pour tea for you, it's regarded as a gross politeness.

Warnings

Watch out for old, out-of-date tea. Check the tea. Smell it. Look at it and check for dried-out leaves. Taste a piece (but don't taste it if is has been wet and in a container for a long time, or smells completely different from its original scent; if it smells sickly sweet [rotted]).

If you are buying loose leaf tea, make sure you examine what you are putting in the pot. Rarely small objects, such as twigs, foil(depending on the wrapping), or insects can make their way into tea accidentally.

It helps to know how a specific tea will smell before you buy it. If you happen to buy a tea frequently, then you can check at the store if it has gone bad before buying it.